Jamaican Fried Johnny Cakes

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 3 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 3/4 cup cold water
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Before you cook

• Cube the cold butter and keep it chilled until needed.
• Measure the water and keep it cold.

Steps

1. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar in a large bowl.
2. Rub the cold butter into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
3. Pour in the cold water a little at a time, mixing with a fork after each addition.
4. Bring the dough together with your hands as soon as it holds, without kneading it hard.
5. If the dough feels sticky, dust in a little more flour.
6. Cover the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes.
7. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each into a smooth ball.
8. Flatten each ball slightly between your palms into a disc about 1cm thick.
9. Pour oil into a deep skillet to a depth of about 4cm and heat it over medium heat.
10. Test the oil with a small piece of dough; it should sizzle gently and rise without browning instantly.
11. Fry the discs in batches of 3 or 4, without crowding the pan.
12. Cook for about 4 minutes per side over medium heat, until deep golden brown and cooked through in the centre.
13. Lift the johnny cakes onto a plate lined with paper towels.
14. Serve warm.